Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines (meth) is a powerful highly addictive drug, and now is becoming even more deadly, fentanyl is being added to meth around the US and has been found in Santa Cruz County.
WHAT IS METH?
Methamphetamines (meth) is a powerful highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can last up to 12 hours in the system resulting in a longer high. Meth comes in both crystal-like shards of glass (rock) or as a crystalline powder.
HOW IS IT USED?
Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally as a pill.
STREET NAMES
Meth, Kri Kir, Krystal, Vidrio, Foco, Glass, Ice, Crack, Cri-Cri, Tweak, Rock, Piedra, Crystal Meth
DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Spoons are used for cooking meth, look for burn marks
Lighters
Loose razor blades (used to cut meth)
Straws or hollowed ballpoint pens (for snorting)
Bongs/pipes (commonly used to smoke marijuana) can be used for meth, look for a yellowish waxy residue
Syringes/needies
Plastic baggies with residue of white crystalline powder, or crystals
SHORT-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS
Increased blood pressure and body temperature
Faster breathingRapid or irregular heartbeat
Loss of appetite or nausea
Disturbed sleep patterns
Erratic, aggressive, irritable, or violent behavior
LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS
Permanent damage to the heart and brain
High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death
Liver, kidney, and lung damage
Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
Paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances, delusions, or violent behavior (psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after meth use)
Intense itching, causing skin sores from scratching
Severe dental problems
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS ON METH
Violent and erratic behavior
Unpredictable behavior
Mood swings
Suppressed appetite
Significant weight loss
Red sores on the body and face from skin picking
Convulsions and tremor
Insomnia
Tooth and gum decay (“meth mouth”)
Hallucinations
Psychosis
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF A METH OVERDOSE
If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose from methamphetamine, call 911 immediately.
Enlarged pupils
Rapid, slowed, or irregular heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Chest pains
Stomach pain
Heart attack
Stroke
High body temperature
High blood pressure
Ready to get Involved?
Organizations and community members involved in SUD/OUD are welcome to join!
Email Yara Castro at info@sosaheal.org or call 520-375-6050 for more information.